The City of Valenzuela takes proactive measures in raising public awareness on the toxic chemical component lead (Pb) and its hazardous effects on health, especially on children. Lead poisoning is one of the most dangerous medical conditions, in which constant exposure to lead may lead to serious health complications and cause irreversible damage to the brain, nervous system, and overall development of a child. It is the imperative of the local government to ensure the public’s safety through monitoring the community’s lead contamination and alleviating any high-risk areas.

On October 17, 2025, the city government, through the Office of Councilor Niña Lopez, participated in the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which is an awareness campaign organized by Médecins du Monde, in partnership with the World Health Organization, the Department of Health, and Pure Earth Philippines. In this event, the common sources of lead, health risks, and implications were extensively discussed, along with preventive measures.

As part of strengthening the children’s protection against lead poisoning, the City Government has passed Ordinance No. 1279, Series of 2025, known as the “Lead Exposure Prevention and Child Protection Ordinance of 2025”, which is the first “lead monitoring-centered” ordinance to be passed in Asia. 

Provided in the ordinance is to clear out areas the safety hazards and high concentrations of lead, monitor the blood lead level (BLL) of the vulnerable population, such as children, through a BLL Test, promote a safe and lead-free environment through educational campaigns, and provide extensive medical and developmental interventions for those who are affected with lead poisoning. The implementation of BLL testing is focused on children residing near potential lead sources, including but not limited to informal recycling sites, households with lead-based paint, and areas with unknown industrial contamination.

It is also by virtue of the Ordinance which led to the creation of the “Lead-Free Task Force”, which is composed of representatives from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education — Division of City Schools - Valenzuela, Liga ng mga Barangay, and other accredited NGOs. This special force is tasked with overseeing and ensuring successful program implementation, coordinating inter-agency initiatives, and submitting reports on lead monitoring per barangay.

This day, the City Government of Valenzuela, through the Office of Councilor Niña Lopez, has received a donation from its partners at Pure Earth Philippines at the Valenzuela Special Education Center grounds. As part of the advocacy of upholding a secure environment through monitoring of lead exposure among children, the local government received one (1) Lead Care Analyzer, and two (2) Blood Lead Kits, which are the designated apparatus for testing blood lead level. The local government continuously worked hand-in-hand with Pure Earth Philippines in protecting the vulnerable sector and providing specialized medical care should they be afflicted with lead poisoning.

The City Government of Valenzuela goes above and beyond in safeguarding each children from endangered communities from health hazards; may it be from medical conditions that are deemed easily unnoticed such as lead poisoning.

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